The team goes to church!

Batiste, our cook at the volunteer house, invited us to come to his church this morning. So, at 9:00, we loaded into the back of Grace's pickup truck and were on our way to the morning service when a Masai gentleman hopped in the back with us. (The Masai is the tribe in Tanzania that has best held to its traditions and cultures. They are always clothed in red and purple blankets, wear a lot of jewelry, and shoes that they make our of tires. They also carry machetes under their tribal wear. They are infamous for being polygamists and treating women really poorly.) All of that to say, we girls are a bit leery of the Masai men. Actually, maybe not ALL of the girls here...but I sure am! I avoid them at all cost! It has sort of become a joke. People will say, "Lauren....I think there is a Masai coming your way...." just to give me a scare. It works every time.

When we arrived at Batiste's Lutheran church, there were people singing out in front, children playing and all looked happy to be there. I must say, the music really made me emotional. If the sounds in Heaven are anything like what we heard this morning, we will be in for a treat! See the videos below so you can hear what I am describing.

This group was singing after the first service, when we arrived.

motiono.com/watch/UURMeMeE

This was after the second service. The choir files out after the priests and stays under the tree to finish their singing as everyone else files out. They were amazing!

motiono.com/watch/NtRMeMSt

The service lasted for 3 hours. It was all in Swahili. Still, although we understood nothing, it was a wonderful experience. They announced that there was a group of volunteers from the UK and US working in a local school. We were asked to explain a bit about why we are in Tanzania and how we have enjoyed our time. The church members were all very grateful that we are here, and were very welcoming to us.

After the service, the choir approached and asked if we would sit with them and talk for a few minutes. We gladly obliged. We introduced ourselves and talked a bit about how wonderful it is to join others in worship. They asked us if we had anything to say to them. I spoke up and explained how much I loved their music. And how beautiful it is to hear a familiar tune sung in another language. (Anna & Bill- the song we entered to was "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior!" I thought about the two of you!) They asked me to lead them in a song in English and said that they would join me in Swahili. Not being up for a solo, I got our group to sing an old favorite, "Amazing Grace". They quickly chimed in with the lyrics in Swahili. It was a beautiful picture of how things should be- unified and praising the Lord no matter what our differences.
It was a great morning.

Sarah and our new friend, the Masai...yikes! Thank goodness I was not in her seat!

Another Masai hanging out....

Jenny, Grace and me before church began.

The Tanzanian choir and us.